I am committed to working with people who want to get to the root of their emotional distress and life suffering. In-depth psychotherapy helps us to grow our capacity to fully experience all of our feelings. Learning how to put our thoughts and feelings into words helps us get our emotional needs met. Exploring painful experiences is often a very difficult and lonely process. That is why talking with a well-trained psychotherapist can be helpful to facilitate our understanding of why we feel the way we do. Out of this fundamental understanding of ourselves arises authentic forgiveness and compassion.

When we can speak openly and honestly in an atmosphere of radical acceptance, we can discover the inner strength and flexibility needed for deep and lasting change. Please do not hesitate to call me to schedule a free consult to learn more.

As a Transition/Trauma psychotherapist Carol O'Dowd, maintains a mindfulness based practice using eastern and western therapies. She is a certified mindfulness instructor and is trained in Japanese Methods of psychology as well as Applied Existential Psychology, Horticultural Therapy, Sensorimotor techniques and Play Therapy. She is exeperienced helping people work with trauma, stress, anxieties, grief, and loss to live live with peace of mind. Carol guides how to partner with wisdom in various forms to discover opportunities in life and achieve success. Carol has a private practice in Arvada, Colorado on grounds with walking trails for mindfulness exercises, and a peaceful courtyard and serene open areas for outdoor sessions.

With over 10 years of experience The Butterfly Within Counseling Center specializes in: - Polyamory, Swinging, Open relationships - Non-traditional families - GLBTQ, Gender Identity - Alternative lifestyles and sexualities - Kink, BDSM - Sex and Relationship therapy -Sexual assault, Sexual abuse, Incest, Survivors of trauma

When you're not monogamous, sometimes the issues aren't about polyamory or your alternative lifestyle. Having a poly friendly counselor helps keep the focus on the real issues. While working with these communities we provide a safe, non-judgmental space to explore issues related and unrelated to one's alternative way of self-expression.

I recognize that a person is a whole human being, not simply an identified problem, and is relating to the stresses and circumstances of the external and internal environment in the best way he or she knows how. Therapy focuses on reducing stresses and enhancing skills. I emphasize a practical, supportive nonjudgmental course of treatment. I provide techniques and skills to increase motivation, emotional management, anxiety reduction, effective communication, and a sense of self empowerment, pride and well-being. I work with adults, couples, children and families. My previous work in schools, hospitals, and in a variety of social and clinical agencies provides the immediate and the long-term perspective on problem behaviors.